Clorazepate
Partial Epilepsies, Anxiety Disorders ... show more
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Benzodiazepine
Controlled Drug Substance
YES
Clorazepate
Summary
Clorazepate is used to manage anxiety disorders, as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures, and to alleviate symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.
Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. This helps to calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety, controlling seizures, and alleviating symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
For adults, the usual daily dose for anxiety is 30 mg, which can be adjusted between 15 to 60 mg based on response. For children aged 9-12 years, the initial dose is 7.5 mg twice a day with a maximum of 60 mg per day. Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosing.
Common side effects of Clorazepate include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, nervousness, and confusion. Serious adverse effects can include blurred vision, uncontrollable shaking, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining balance.
Clorazepate should not be used with opioids due to the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is also contraindicated in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma and those with known hypersensitivity to the drug. It may cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Indications and Purpose
How does Clorazepate work?
Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. This action helps to calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety, controlling seizures, and alleviating symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Is Clorazepate effective?
Clorazepate is effective in managing anxiety disorders, as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures, and for the symptomatic relief of acute alcohol withdrawal. Long-term studies in epileptic patients have shown continued therapeutic activity. Always consult your doctor to ensure it's the right treatment for you.
What is Clorazepate?
Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety, manage partial seizures, and alleviate symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class, working by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which helps calm the nervous system. Always follow your doctor's instructions when using this medication.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Clorazepate?
Clorazepate is typically used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. The effectiveness of long-term use, beyond 4 months, has not been systematically assessed. For epilepsy, long-term use has shown continued therapeutic activity. Always follow your doctor's guidance on the duration of use.
How do I take Clorazepate?
Clorazepate can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. There are no specific food restrictions, but avoid alcohol and street drugs during treatment.
How long does it take for Clorazepate to start working?
Clorazepate begins to work relatively quickly, with effects typically felt within a few hours of taking the medication. However, the full therapeutic effect may take longer to achieve, depending on the condition being treated. Always follow your doctor's guidance on how to use this medication.
How should I store Clorazepate?
Store Clorazepate in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program to prevent accidental ingestion.
What is the usual dose of Clorazepate?
For adults, the usual daily dose of Clorazepate for anxiety is 30 mg, which can be adjusted between 15 to 60 mg based on the patient's response. For children aged 9-12 years, the initial dose is 7.5 mg twice a day, with a maximum of 60 mg per day. Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosing.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Clorazepate be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Clorazepate, as it can pass into breast milk and may cause sedation and poor feeding in infants. Discuss alternative feeding options with your healthcare provider if you are taking Clorazepate and wish to breastfeed.
Can Clorazepate be taken safely while pregnant?
Clorazepate use during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential risks to the fetus, including sedation and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. There is a pregnancy registry for monitoring outcomes. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Clorazepate.
Can I take Clorazepate with other prescription drugs?
Clorazepate can interact with opioids, increasing the risk of severe sedation and respiratory depression. It may also interact with other CNS depressants, alcohol, and certain antidepressants, enhancing their effects. Always inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.
Is Clorazepate safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients should use Clorazepate with caution, as they may be more sensitive to its effects. Lower initial doses are recommended, and any dose adjustments should be made gradually. Elderly patients should be closely monitored for side effects such as excessive sedation or ataxia.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Clorazepate?
Drinking alcohol while taking Clorazepate is not recommended as it can increase the risk of serious side effects, including severe drowsiness, breathing problems, and even coma or death. Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Clorazepate, making it unsafe to combine the two.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Clorazepate?
Clorazepate may cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can affect your ability to exercise safely. It's important to understand how the medication affects you before engaging in physical activities. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about exercising while taking Clorazepate.
Who should avoid taking Clorazepate?
Clorazepate should not be used with opioids due to the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is contraindicated in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma and those with known hypersensitivity to the drug. It may cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.